Herbs of Bee Interest

Abstract

Honey bees are social insects that have evolved along with flowering plants. They are dependent on plants for their food requirements and in turn, help in the pollination of plants. Honeybees are the prominent pollinators of the ecosystem which pollinate a wide variety of cultivated as well as wild plant species. Beekeeping plays a significant role in food security and conservation as well as management of natural resources through pollination. The major factor responsible for successful beekeeping is the health of the colony which depends upon the availability of food. The herbs of bee interest include both nectariferous and polleniferous plants providing food to honey bees in the form of nectar and pollen respectively. The present chapter deals with the diversity of bee flora including forest trees, grasses, shrubs, and climbers as well as cultivated plants that contribute significantly to beekeeping.